Brian May has issued a heartfelt tribute to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Duane Eddy, who died of cancer last month, aged 86. The Queen star claimed the guitar hero’s music was “joyous and inspiring” to him as a child.
On Thursday (May 2) Brian, 76, took to social media and uploaded a compilation video featuring pictures of himself and Duane from 2017. In one image, the ‘Shazam!’ hitmaker could be seen posing solo with a homemade guitar and he stood arm-in-arm alongside Brian in another.
Alongside the sweet clip, the star paid tribute to the late New York musician and told his 3.4 million Instagram followers he was “very sad” to hear of the “magnificent” Duane’s death. “An inspiration and a hero to me (and my Dad !) when I was a kid,” he began.
“I was so thrilled to meet him in 2017 and spend a little time, and proudly invite him to our show in Nashville, Tennessee.” Brian explained how he thought the 1980 ‘Rebel Rouser’ track was “distinctive, original and completely cutting edge”.
“It might sound like nothing out of the ordinary in these days of a million flashy electric guitar players, but at that time it was revolutionary – freeing the guitar from its former stiffness, and making it talk. For me and thousands of other kids at the time it was joyous and inspiring.”
He added that the self-taught superstar obliged when asked to give Brian’s homemade guitar a spin. “To me it’s thrilling that he played my home-made guitar, all those years later.
“Legend !! Great Man ! so sad to lose you, sir. RIP DUANE EDDY,” he concluded.
Following the post, fans have come out in their droves to support Brian during his grieving period.
One Instagram user commented: “You always find the most beautiful words, beautiful tribute Bri Beautiful pics of you both, the love and respect is visible on both sides. Very sad to hear about his passing, may he rest in peace.”
A second wrote: “I remember listening to him as a kid. What a legend. RIP.”
“Your admiration for those who inspire you is always so genuine … RIP Duane Eddy,” typed a third.
Another said: “I’m sorry for the loss of your friend and hero,Sir. May he rest in heaven and play sweet music with the angels.”
Following Duane’s death, a representative told Variety: “Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakable signature ‘Twang’ sound.
“He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed.”
They added that he died surrounded by his family and his “devoted” wife, Deed.
